Redknapp: Defoe has nothing to prove against Tottenham
Wednesday, 19 Mar 2008 20:49
Defoe has scored six goals in as many games for Pompey
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp says Jermain Defoe has nothing to prove ahead of his side's clash against
Tottenham Hotspur this weekend.
Defoe joined Pompey from Spurs during the January transfer window having struggled to get first-team opportunities at White Hart Lane.
The former
West Ham United front man was third choice behind Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov but has been in great scoring form since his move to Fratton Park.
Defoe has scored six goals in as many games for the south coast side and has helped his new team move in to sixth place in the Premier League.
Despite his success since joining Pompey, Redknapp believes Defoe does not need to prove anything to the players and fans at Spurs on Saturday.
Redknapp said: "He'll go there and want to do well but he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. He's scored goals wherever he's gone and he's off to a great start here.
"He's come into a good side where he knows a lot of the lads. He's enjoying being here and we enjoy having him here."
Redknapp also thinks that Defoe could earn a permanent place in the England squad now that he is able to get more first-team opportunities.
He explained: "England could have done with him at the last World Cup when we had no strikers.
"Goalscoring is an art. It's about being in the right place at the right time and he's got that knack."
Pompey have only lost once in their last eight games in all competitions and will hope to keep that run going against Spurs as they continue their push to qualify for a place in Europe.